If you’re sitting on your couch right now looking for the who is playing monday night football in the nfl update, you probably noticed something is a little off. Usually, Monday night is the sacred ground of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and that iconic theme music. But tonight, Monday, January 19, 2026, the NFL has actually gone quiet.
The Divisional Round wrapped up last night with the Rams and Bears duking it out at Soldier Field. That means the league is taking a breather before the Conference Championships. Instead of a professional game, the Monday night spotlight has been handed over to the kids. Specifically, the College Football Playoff National Championship between #1 Indiana and #10 Miami is taking over the ESPN airwaves from Hard Rock Stadium.
It’s weird, right? We’ve spent months conditioned to expect a pro game to start the week. But the NFL is nothing if not strategic about their calendar.
The NFL Monday Night Football schedule shift
Last week was the exception. During Super Wild Card Weekend, we actually did have a Monday night game. The Houston Texans traveled to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in a game that basically felt like a defensive clinic—if you like low-scoring, gritty football. Houston walked away with a 30-6 win in that one, which was the final Monday Night Football broadcast of the 2025-2026 season.
Why no game tonight? Well, the NFL avoids playing on the same night as the College Football National Championship. It’s a bit of a "gentleman's agreement," but also a business decision. You don't want to split your audience when you can own the entire weekend and then let the college kids have their moment on Monday.
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What happened to the Monday night tradition?
The NFL is basically in "maintenance mode" right now. The four teams remaining—the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and the winners of yesterday's Patriots/Texans and Rams/Bears games—are all prepping for the AFC and NFC Championship games on Sunday, January 25.
- Seattle is already locked in after a 41-6 blowout of the 49ers.
- Denver secured their spot by taking down Buffalo 27-14.
- The Conference Games will air next Sunday at 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM ET.
Honestly, if you were hoping for NFL action tonight, you’re about six days too late or six days too early.
Where to find football tonight
Even though nobody is playing Monday Night Football in the NFL tonight, there’s still a massive game on. The Indiana Hoosiers are trying to complete a "Cinderella" season against a Miami Hurricanes team that has been playing like they're possessed.
If you're a die-hard NFL fan, this game actually matters because of the draft. Scouts are currently drooling over the talent on both these rosters. You’ve got Indiana’s defense, which has been a brick wall all year, and Miami’s pass rush, which currently leads the nation in sacks.
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Why the NFL playoff schedule skips Mondays
After the Wild Card round, the Monday night slot is typically retired for the season. The logic is simple: player safety and preparation time. If a team played tonight, on a Monday, and then had to play a Conference Championship game next Sunday, they’d be at a massive disadvantage compared to a team that played on Saturday.
The NFL is obsessed with "competitive balance." Giving a team a short week before the biggest game of their lives is a recipe for a bad product and a lot of angry coaches.
Looking ahead to the next NFL broadcast
Since there isn't a game tonight, your next chance to catch the NFL is Sunday, January 25, 2026.
- AFC Championship: 3:00 PM ET on CBS.
- NFC Championship: 6:30 PM ET on FOX.
The Seahawks look like the team to beat in the NFC. Kenneth Walker III just tied a franchise record with three rushing touchdowns against San Francisco. On the AFC side, the Broncos are resting up at Mile High, waiting to see if they’ll be facing Drake Maye’s Patriots or C.J. Stroud’s Texans.
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It’s a bit of a bummer to have a "dark" Monday for the NFL, but it’s the calm before the storm. Take tonight to catch up on the college stars who will be in NFL jerseys by next September. The NFL will be back on your TV soon enough for the final push toward Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Check your local listings for the Indiana vs. Miami kickoff at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN if you still need a football fix. Otherwise, clear your schedule for next Sunday when the real fireworks return.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Set alerts for the AFC Championship at 3:00 PM ET and the NFC Championship at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, January 25.
- Check the injury reports: Keep a close eye on Bo Nix’s status for Denver, as his overtime injury in the previous round could significantly shift the betting lines for the AFC title game.
- Watch the National Championship: If you're a draft enthusiast, keep an eye on Miami’s defensive line—several of those players are projected first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.